Search for Ossining superintendent under way

Thirty-two school administrators from 10 states have applied for the opportunity to become the Ossining Union Free School District’s next superintendent of schools.

The candidates hail from as far away as California, with the majority of applicants residing in New York or New Jersey.

Through careful screening, Putnam/Northern Westchester BOCES, which is conducting the search for the district, has narrowed the field to five candidates.

These five candidates will be interviewed by the Board of Education, which will narrow the field down to three candidates. These three finalists will be interviewed by the district’s search committee in early February.

The district’s search committee includes community members, staff members, and student representatives. After the committee interview, the candidates will be interviewed again by the Board of Education. Before the new superintendent is named, Board members plan to do a site visit to the candidate’s district.

“There is no decision more important than who will lead our district into the future,” said Board of Education President Bill Kress. “For this reason, we are conducting a very careful search, which began by seeking extensive input from the community.”

Prior to advertising the position of superintendent, the district held community meetings to gather input on the qualifications, leadership qualities and core values that community members would like the new leader to possess. More than 100 people attended various meetings with the consultant. Those unable to attend were given the option of completing an on-line survey. Nearly 200 people completed the online survey.

Dr. Phyllis Glassman, who led the district from 2007 through 2012, retired earlier this month. Deputy Superintendent Raymond Sanchez is serving as Interim Superintendent.

Marcela Rojas has been a reporter for The Journal News since 2003 and has covered numerous communities in Westchester and Putnam, including Ossining, Peekskill and Brewster. She writes often about immigration and diversity topics that span the region, along with examining national and state policies as they affect local communities.